Shabana Azmi graces 'Jashn-e-Zindagi' in UP's Azamgarh

After receiving overwhelming response to the previous concerts in Bihar's Siwan, UP's Shivali and Rajasthan's Alwar for concerts titled 'Geet Sangeet', Population Foundation of India (PFI), in association with Bombay Local Pictures, organised 'Jashn-e-Zindagi' in UP's Azamgarh.

'Jashn-e-Zindagi' is part of the series of musical concerts featuring popular local artists to celebrate women champions of change and promote Season 3 of PFI's television drama series 'Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon'.

The musical concert had performances by veteran actress Shabana Azmi, singers Purnim Upadhyay and Shambhunath Mishra from the famous Hariharpur Gharana. Well-known singers Shah Alam Sawariya and Sapna Banerjee along with poet Mayaksh Azmi were also part of the day’s programme.

Shabana Azmi says, "Women carry great strength and resilience within themselves to overcome adversity. Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon is the story of many such women, and I am happy to join 'Jashn-e-Zindagi' to celebrate them and encourage many more. And what can be more powerful than to do so with inspiring poetry?"

Executive Director of Population Foundation of India Poonam Muttreja says, "We want to connect with people in and around Azamgarh and talk to them about Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon and women's rights through poetry and music in 'Jashn-e-zindagi'."

PFI launched 'Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon', a unique transmedia entertainment education initiative, in March 2014. The series challenges regressive social and cultural norms that play a significant part in the poor status of women and girls. 131 episodes of MKBKSH have been broadcast over Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR) in 12 languages across 50 countries, on DD National, DD regional Kendras, DD India and 216 radio stations.

Creator of the show Feroz Abbas Khan says, "Women are the true change makers and the spirit of such women cannot be celebrated in just one way. This time, the beauty of Urdu poetry will be used to enhance the resilience of such women through Mushaira in Azamgarh."